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"I reject each and every word, each and every assertion, each and every element of fiction advanced by the leader of the opposition," Mr Andrews told Question Time.

The union said there had been no payment made in exchange for political support.

"There were no demands and no deals. The seeking and awarding of legal costs is a standard practice in matters of litigation," a union statement says.

The CFA did not respond to questions about whether the government ordered the payout.

"Any costs that were awarded followed a decision of the independent arbitrator," the CFA said.

The CFA and the union have been locked in a bitter dispute for the past three years over a new pay deal, which still has not been put to members for a vote due to concerns new federal laws could see it struck out.

Union official Mick Tisbury said he was "sick of it" but the deal had to be right.

"I want it to be sorted out, (but) I don't want it to be put to a vote and spend another four, five years in litigation," he told reporters.